Birthday Bombed...

Yesterday was Nick's birthday. He is such a wonderful husband and father...and every year I try to think of some great way to show how much I appreciate him and his greatness (cause he is pretty great!). Every year I fail. Seriously. Every year. You'd think by now that I'd know just what to surprise him with to make his day. And I do. (All you wives out there know what I mean...wink, wink) But when it comes to the gifts....I fail. I am way too practical (read: impecunious) to get him things I know he'd simply love (like an iphone or Bose speakers or a new camera). Plus, I am in no way qualified to get him other things...like how would I know how to pick out a new golf club? Just cause I like the feel of the grip....doesn't mean he would. See my problem? Oh and don't even ask about clothes. Too many failed shirts to mention. But that reminds me...he did get a couple shirts as gifts from Paul & Cyndi....one for a birthday a few years ago...and one last Christmas. Those are like his favorite shirts ever. No Joke. He loves them. Looks great in them. I guess I'll have to ask them their secret...they better have a trick to share.

Anyways...in order to compensate for my horrible gift-giving skills...I try to go creative. Like I think of things that would really surprise him...something fun. So I thought and thought this year about his birthday....had one great idea. But the item could not be shipped from VA. :( So I kept thinking....finally I had an idea. And that idea turned into his Birthday gift. Once opened...that item sat in our house not even 1 hr before we took it back. It was a bomb. I bombed. Chalk up another year of failure. So sad. Nick kept telling me how "cute" of an idea it was. That it was really thoughtful. And that it's the thought that counts. He was gracious. But I think deep down he was like, "what-in-the-world....?"

I tried really hard not to get depressed. I mean...this was Nick's day. And he was turning 31! He had the day off of work, which was nice. So we went to lunch together with TJ and then ran a few errands. Nick wanted to grill steaks for dinner and I made german chocolate cake. We sang. Shouted 31 hip, hip, hoorays. Then off Nick went to his church meetings. A fabulous birthday? No...but Nick never complained. Maybe he knows how much we love him already.... and he doesn't need fancy gifts to tell him that. That's what I'm hoping! Cause we LOVE him! Lots and Lots!

What a nice dad...letting the boys help with the candles.

Here's the ever enthusiastic TJ...hip-hip-hooraying!